{"id":2099,"date":"2025-03-17T17:42:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T17:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=2099"},"modified":"2025-08-22T13:47:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:47:00","slug":"hit-a-deer-georgia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/auto-insurance\/hit-a-deer-georgia\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do If You Hit a Deer in Georgia\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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That\u2019s not just a purely hypothetical topic. Deer-vehicle collisions in the Peach State are more common than you might imagine. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to review your <\/span>auto insurance<\/span><\/a> policy and make sure it covers you for such a calamity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what should you do if you hit a deer in Georgia?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, get a fuller understanding of how likely it might be that your car will get hit by a deer and what to do if it happens.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Navigating Deer Encounters on Georgia Roads<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Georgia is a rural state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a metropolitan state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a wilderness state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a tourist state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In truth, it\u2019s all of the above. That\u2019s the problem.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Georgia\u2019s Wildlife and Traffic Patterns<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The state includes Atlanta, one of the largest cities in America, and the Chattahoochee National Forest. You\u2019ve got Lookout Mountain and Stone Mountain Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the Masters Tournament, Savannah and Atlantic Ocean white-sand beaches.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The point is, you\u2019ve got traffic-congested roads alongside countless acres of prime deer breeding grounds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Traffic. And abundant wildlife populations. And disappearing woods due to development, driving the animals into cities and along busy streets and highways. They\u2019re unpredictable and can run right into traffic when panicked \u2013 or even when just crossing the street.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Risks of Deer-Related Auto Accidents<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sounds like trouble. And it is. So, it might not be surprising that there are up to <\/span>50,000 deer-vehicle collisions every year<\/span><\/a> in the Peach State.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not like hitting a squirrel. An adult male deer can weigh 200 pounds or more. The female of the species isn\u2019t much lighter. At the very least, the impact will do significant damage to your vehicle. Furthermore, such collisions result in as many as <\/span>59,000 injuries<\/span><\/a> around the country every year and hundreds of deaths.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then consider the fact that your disabled vehicle might be in traffic, and you and your passengers could be at further risk by getting out of your car.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, it\u2019s worth knowing how to avoid the risk and what to do if you hit a deer in Georgia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, Try to Avoid the Threat<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Take the warning signs seriously. If you see a road sign alerting drivers of the presence of deer populations, slow down and keep an eye out for possible activity along the sides of the road.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another sure hint of trouble is the frequent sight of deer carcasses along the shoulder of the road you\u2019re on. It means such collisions are hardly a rarity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And, of course, always wear your seatbelts whenever you get in the car. The unexpected \u2014 including wildlife collisions \u2014 can happen in an instant with little or no warning.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediate Actions Post-Collision<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even when taking all precautions, these accidents can happen. Don\u2019t swerve to avoid hitting a deer if you\u2019re on a traffic-congested road or a location where there might be bicyclists or foot traffic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If it does happen, you can call your friend and say, \u201cI hit a deer. What do I do now?\u201d Or you can keep your composure and get your car out of traffic if it still runs. If you have passengers, make sure that they\u2019re not injured. Get everyone out of the vehicle if it\u2019s safe to do so. When everyone is safe, pick up your phone and start making calls.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Legal Responsibilities After Striking a Deer<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Call 911 or the local police. It\u2019s illegal to not place such a call in this state if the dead or injured deer is in the street or roadway and a risk to other drivers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A call to local authorities has another benefit. If you are able to file a police report, your insurance claim can go more efficiently. (But a police report isn\u2019t mandatory for claims filing, so don\u2019t be concerned if the authorities don\u2019t show up.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The police don\u2019t need to be informed if the deer runs off or dies out of the way of traffic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want to take photos or video of the damage to your vehicle and the injured or deceased deer, if possible. Photo documentation of injuries to yourself or others is also valuable for claims. But be careful \u2013 if the deer is only injured and still mobile, they may attack.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, you\u2019ll place a call to your insurance company.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Car Insurance Fundamentals for Deer Accidents<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you covered? That\u2019s likely the first question you\u2019ll ask yourself once things have cooled down a little. The answer to that question depends on your policy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re not covered if you only carry liability, which is the minimum level of legal coverage in most states. Liability only covers injuries or damage to others if the <\/span>car accident fault<\/span><\/a> is determined to be yours. It won\u2019t cover your own vehicle or injuries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If, however, you carry a full coverage plan, you can most likely file a claim.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage Dilemma<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most full coverage auto insurance plans include both comprehensive and collision benefits. Collision benefits cover most traditional traffic accidents involving other cars.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Comprehensive car insurance<\/span><\/a>, on the other hand, covers the various ways your vehicle might be damaged when you\u2019re not even behind the wheel. This can include theft or vandalism, weather damage, fire, and other mishaps. But comprehensive also covers on-the-road collisions with wildlife, such as deer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, the dilemma. Sometimes, drivers who want to save a little money might purchase collision coverage and skip comprehensive. The thinking here is that their vehicle is much more likely to sustain damage while it\u2019s actually on the road than when it\u2019s safely tucked away in their garage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And that might be the case \u2014 most of the time. Just remember that unexpected damage can occur in a number of ways. And one of those ways \u2014 hitting wildlife while on the road \u2014 is only covered by your comprehensive benefits. So don\u2019t skimp on comprehensive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Hitting a Deer Affect Your Insurance Premiums?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve filed claims for other fairly recent deer-car collisions or you\u2019ve had other at-fault accidents within the last few years, it could affect your rates. But probably not if this is an isolated incident and you have an otherwise good or excellent driving record and claims history.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle with Southern Harvest Auto Insurance\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n
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You don\u2019t really have to make the difficult choice between collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Your Southern Harvest independent auto insurance agent can help you find a very affordable plan that includes both benefits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Independent insurance agents don\u2019t work for just one carrier. Instead, they represent the insurance plans of multiple quality brands. They can go shopping on your behalf for the best coverage at the most affordable rates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Simply call us at <\/span>(877) 831-4677<\/span><\/a>. Or <\/span>get a quick quote online<\/span><\/a>. You can also <\/span>find a Southern Harvest Insurance office<\/span><\/a> located conveniently near wherever you live in Georgia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However you reach out, we\u2019ll help protect your finances from the unexpected \u2014 even a deer darting across the highway at the wrong time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n